Library Express locations available in Campbell County

The black box outside of the Silver Grove Fire Department on Route 8 has nothing to do with fires. It's the Silver Grove Library Express, a convenient new way to get library materials.

On May 16, a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony took place at Silver Grove, and at St. Philip Parish Center in Melbourne, where a second Library Express will be located.

Library Expresses are secure, locked boxes that can be accessed with the last five digits of a patron's library card number. Users can request library materials through the website or library app, or call a branch to request items and asked that the items be sent to Silver Grove or Melbourne. Easy-to-follow directions on how to retrieve the items are located on the front of the Library Express boxes.

Philanthropist Tom W. Jones, an avid supporter of education, donated the funds that allowed the library to purchase the Express boxes and return bins for Silver Grove and Melbourne. Jones, a 1963 graduate of Highlands High School who retired from P&G, has made generous donations to support his alma mater and other causes.

“We are very thankful Mr. Jones supports the work of libraries. Because of his donation we are able to deliver books and DVDs to make the library more accessible for people along Route 8,” Library director JC Morgan said. “This will make getting and returning library materials much more convenient for the people of Silver Grove and Melbourne.”

Pickups to the Express locations will occur on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

In the 2015-2016 fiscal year, there were 590,265 visits to the Library and more than 1.2 million items were checked out. More than 84,000 e-materials were downloaded, there were more than 655,000 website page views, and about 19,000 calls were made to our free children's story telling phone line.

The library makes every reasonable effort to provide equal access to all patrons. Contact access@cc-pl.org or call 859-781-6166 ext. 31 at least 72 hours before an event to arrange for accommodation. All facilities and meeting rooms are ADA compliant.

The Campbell County Public Library operates three branches. The Cold Spring Branch is at 3920 Alexandria Pike in Cold Spring, phone 859-781-6166. The Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch is at 1000 Highland Ave. in Fort Thomas, phone 859-572-5033. The Newport Branch is at 901 E. Sixth St. in Newport, phone 859-572-5035.